[kj] Can we brighten this thread, its xmas

[GregSlawson at aol.com]

Here's one way to brighten the holiday mood:
Christmas beers!
The US is now regarded as the world leader (not just in killing Iraqis) in 
"micro-brews", and the field is getting more interesting over the past couple of 
years. Sorry, you British gatherers are stuck with the same old Samuel Smith 
(and maybe Youngs or Fullers--can't remember) Winter Warmers (not bad, 
though). Here's a couple of US winter brews that are available nationally:
1.)Anchor Special Ale (referred to as "Anchor Christmas" by fans)--an amazing 
spicey, dark brown ale with an aroma of christmas trees (no kidding) and a 
sweet, syrupy, spicey taste that will both warm you up and remind you of the 
snow outside. Recipie changes slightly every year, but not by much.
2.)Sam Adams Winter Lager--not bad, chestnut colored, sort of like an 
Octoberfest but with a hint of orange and ginger. A little higher in alcohol, too!
3.)Sierra Nevade Celebration--not my favorite--too much like their Pale Ale, 
but a bit hoppier. Not what one usually thinks of as Christmas beer, but if 
you like IPAs, it's ok.

Check your local microbreweries for winter beers (which tend to be dark, 
sweet, and higher in alcohol)--especially if you're in CA or the northwest (that's 
where the best breweries are, outside of northern New England). Most of them 
are only around until January or December, so don't delay, you drunks!
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